Media Release

Department of Fisheries, Western Australia

26. November 2017

Subsidy funding doubled with an additional $200,000 allocated for a further 1,000 devices

UWA research found that the approved device deterred white sharks in nine out of 10 occasions

All shark sightings should be reported to Water Police on 9442 8600

Western Australians have embraced the McGowan Government’s world-first trial shark deterrent subsidy with the first 977 rebates claimed within six months.

The trial subsidy, which began on May 26, 2017, was originally for 1,000 independently verified devices, but given the popularity of the program, Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly has doubled the funding to allow for an additional 1,000 rebates.

This means people can continue to access the $200 rebates available through retail outlets, who sell the approved shark deterrent device. Details on how the scheme works are available via the SharkSmart website at http://www.sharksmart.com.au.

SharkSmart is also the place to go to for people to be informed about alerts, tagged shark detections, reported shark sightings and safety tips, as people plan Christmas holiday activities.

The Government urges all water users to help each other by reporting all shark sightings to Water Police on 9442 8600. This will ensure that SharkSmart and the Surf Life Saving WA Twitter service can alert the community and that beach managers can close beaches, if necessary.

Comments attributed to Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly:

“The demand we have seen since the world-first subsidy came into place in late May, proves it is popular with the community.

“Given the overwhelming support from the public, it’s time the Liberal and National members stop playing politics and support this successful subsidy.

“The Shark Shield FREEDOM7 can be used by both surfers and divers, and university research shows the device works nine out of 10 times against white sharks.

“As a result of the introduction of the subsidy there are a number of other devices that are currently being independently tested, including devices that are specifically marketed at surfers.

“If these devices are independently verified and proven to be effective in deterring white sharks, then they will also be included in the subsidy program.”

News Release

Monterey County Sheriff’s Office

24. November 2017

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Two off duty Deputies were finishing up their day of fishing at Still Water Cove when they were alerted to a victim of a shark bite this afternoon. A call for help went out to county communications and a short time later an on duty deputy arrived that had a medical trauma kit. One of the Deputies on scene was trained in emergency field medicine and applied a tourniquet to the man’s leg stopping his massive blood loss. The victim was transported from the scene by AMR and his condition is unknown at this time.

The Sheriff Airplane was airborne and responded to the scene. The air unit conducted a search of the area and spotted a large aquatic animal off Pescadero Point, which may have been a shark. The Sheriff Office learned the shark bite victim was spear fishing under the surface in that area when he was attacked. The air unit searched along the coastline and coordinated with CalFire units to evacuate Still Water Cove.

Below is some footage from the Sheriff’s Airplane of the area immediately after the incident. Cal Fire had their jet ski in the water and aided a swimmer back to the pier.

Thanks to the quick efforts and team work by the Deputies involved and the AMR and CalFire units on duty the victim will likely survive this rare tragedy.

Two off duty Deputies were finishing up their day of fishing at Still Water Cove when they were alerted to a victim of a shark bite this afternoon. A call for help went out to county communications and a short time later an on duty deputy arrived that had a medical trauma kit. One of the Deputies on scene was trained in emergency field medicine and applied a tourniquet to the man's leg stopping his massive blood loss. The victim was transported from the scene by AMR and his condition is unknown at this time. The Sheriff Airplane was airborne and responded to the scene. The air unit conducted a search of the area and spotted a large aquatic animal off Pescadero Point, which may have been a shark. The Sheriff Office learned the shark bite victim was spear fishing under the surface in that area when he was attacked. The air unit searched along the coastline and coordinated with CalFire units to evacuate Still Water Cove.Below is some footage from the Sheriff's Airplane of the area immediately after the incident. Cal Fire had their jet ski in the water and aided a swimmer back to the pier.Thanks to the quick efforts and team work by the Deputies involved and the AMR and CalFire units on duty the victim will likely survive this rare tragedy. AW

Press Release

Congressman Dana Rohrabacher

25. September 2017

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WASHINGTON – Rep. Dana Rohrabacher and local officials at 10 a.m. Friday will announce their support for a pilot project to prevent shark attacks along California’s coastline. The project, developed and operating in Australia, uses new, early-warning technology to notify lifeguards that a shark has entered waters enjoyed by swimmers and surfers.

Along with Newport Beach Mayor Kevin Muldoon, surf legend Ian Cairns, and representatives of Shark Mitigation Systems, the Australian company that developed such a technology, Rohrabacher will discuss the project at Ocean Boulevard and Inspiration Point in Corona Del Mar. Other local officials are expected to attend.

The Republican congressman is committed to seeing that the federal government play a positive role in protecting those who enjoy California’s beaches from shark attacks.

“It’s clear that increasing numbers of sharks have been sighted in local waters here in Southern California,” said Rohrabacher. “In fact, there have been several recent attacks, including a nearly fatal one here at Big Corona in Corona Del Mar. This technology can help us save lives and give people confidence in our local beaches.”

Later, at 1:30 p.m. Friday, the congressman will arrive at San Onofre to inspect the safety of rods used in the site’s nuclear energy facility. He will be available to the media after the inspection.